The report is not surprising, considering that almost all contract negotiations contain this kind of rhetoric along the way. Ultimately, though, there is zero doubt that a long-term extension will be worked out between Brees and the Saints at some point. And as the PFT report points out, the atmosphere can change quickly, as it recently did with the Tennessee Titans and franchise tailback Chris Johnson.

The difference in this case is that Brees is not holding out, so there is no real sense of urgency to get a deal done quickly. Brees still has one year remaining on his current contract, which gives the Saints some leverage. Even if the deal runs out after this season, the Saints can use the franchise tag on Brees next year, like the Indianapolis Colts did with Peyton Manning this offseason.

So the only real question mark in these negotiations is how long they will drag out. But whether it happens this week or after this season, Brees and the Saints will eventually work out a long-term extension in the range of recent deals signed by franchise quarterbacks Manning, Tom Brady and Michael Vick - likely in the neighborhood of $18 million per year.